Ark Acton Academy 

Principal 

Reports to: Regional Director   

Start date: September 2024 or earlier if possible  

Location: Gunnersbury Lane, Acton, London, W3 8EY  

Salary: Significant and generous salary, including potential relocation bonus   

Contract: Permanent, full-time  

Closing date: 9am, Monday 30th October 2023  

School visits: Afternoon of Thursday 12th October or to be arranged as suitable 

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 30th October  

Ark Acton Academy seeks to appoint a new Principal to lead the school through the next phase of its journey towards becoming an excellent school.  

Our school: 

Ark Acton Academy is a secondary school and sixth form serving children in the local community of Acton, Ealing. The school joined the Ark network of schools in 2018 after its predecessor school was placed in special measures, and we are proud to have recently been graded ‘Good’ in our first Ofsted inspection. 

We are confident in the foundations on which Ark Acton has been built and are looking for an ambitious Principal who will drive the school to ensure it reaches its full potential. Since becoming an Ark school, we have improved our progress score from -0.4 to an anticipated +0.4 this year. We achieved our highest ever outcomes this summer, with 60% of year 11 pupils achieving grades 9-4 in English and maths, and record numbers moving on to post 16 destinations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Regional Director to work on the improving picture and have the support of the outgoing Principal who will be in role until the end of summer 2024 to aid a strong transition. 

We welcome applications from high-potential, skilled Vice Principals with a clear vision for what it takes to establish and sustain an excellent school, as well as the commitment and determination to drive that vision forward. Equally, this is also an ideal opportunity for an existing Head who is actively looking for a new challenge in a school with great potential.  

Ark Acton Academy is part of the Ark network, one of the country’s most successful multi-academy trusts. You will join a team of ambitious Principals who work collaboratively to share best practice, provide support for one another, and improve what we do as a school and a network.  

What we offer: 

We are offering a significant and generous six figure salary as well as the chance to work alongside some exceptional leaders who offer genuine support and capacity. In addition, at Ark you will have:  

We warmly welcome and encourage confidential conversations about the role and visits to our school for suitable candidates. If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact our Regional Director, Amit Hathi on Amit.Hathi@arkonline.org or our Senior Recruitment Advisor, Shevonnae Sokoya on Shevonnae.Sokoya@arkonline.org  

For more information about the role, the school and Ark, click here to view the full job pack.  

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.  

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.  

Ark Schools are committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. To read more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion statement, please click this link.